marine-mammal monitoring and mitigation

Program Management

Fairweather Science is highly proficient at navigating Alaska's unique marine-mammal conservation regulatory measures. Cumulatively, our team has 18+ years of marine-mammal monitoring technical and field experience. We know how to meet marine-mammal regulatory agency requirements while balancing project needs. Fairweather Science can design and implement all aspects of a Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Program from start to finish, including permitting and compliance, data management and reporting, and personnel management, all while maintaining timely and transparent communication with all stakeholders. We excel at designing programs for the oil and gas industry, scientific research, and marine construction projects on all observing platforms including vessels, land, aircraft, and on- and offshore oil and gas work sites.

Permitting and Compliance

Every Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Program begins with obtaining the necessary permits. Fairweather Science can assess project permitting requirements, prepare and submit permit applications, and implement project permit compliance measures. Our expertise includes preparation of Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) petitions, Letters of Authorization (LOA), Biological Assessments (BA), Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) applications, and Marine Mammal Monitoring and Mitigation Plans (4MP). Fairweather Science makes sure that permits and compliance measures are not interpreted "on the fly"; we provide detailed training and concise permit summaries to key project personnel so that challenges or unexpected marine-mammal situations are handled consistently and professionally. Our established rapport with NMFS and USFWS ensures a respectful and efficient client-agency relationship.

Data Management and Reporting

Fairweather Science designs compliance-driven programs. We tailor detailed data collection management systems to fit project requirements and deliver and reports. Our management team has extensive experience interpreting and implementing permit stipulations, managing PSOs in the field, performing data review and analyses, and preparing monitoring reports.

Fairweather Science's expertise ranges from Southeast Alaska to the Arctic, and we design and implement data collection and management methods to fit your project's needs, offering customized data collection software and accompanying technology. Our in-house-designed marine-mammal data app features standardized data collection and input systems, real-time marine-mammal sightings mapping, visualization of applicable sound-based mitigation zones, and a user-friendly interface.

Personnel Management

Our Protected Species Observers (PSO) are a key component of our programs' success. Fairweather Science's PSOs are experienced professionals who are skilled in navigating environmental and cultural challenges. Teams are handpicked for each project type, location, and duration, and we prioritize safety, professionalism, and camaraderie. Fairweather Science values the technical perspective that our field personnel provide, and we work collaboratively with observers to make each project safer and more efficient.

Are you an experienced marine-mammal observer who would be an asset to our network? Send your resume and brief summary of your experience to Laura Young at and we will connect with you about upcoming work that might be a great fit!

Fairweather Science has a unique perspective on marine-mammal programs — we believe that marine-mammal observation and data collection can go beyond "checking the box" for compliance and serve as an opportunity to study spatiotemporal characteristics of marine mammals. Substantial amounts of information have the potential to be archived and never used again once a project concludes. We work to make this information available in peer-reviewed publications and/or scientific conferences for the scientific community and other stakeholders, and we are always seeking opportunities to augment all endeavors with client-approved research components.